Bays & Beyond

auckland to auckland7 Night cruise

These are summertime voyages to the Bay of Islands and Bay of Plenty where you’ll discover uninhabited sanctuary islands, watch dolphins at play, visit fascinating historic places and enjoy superb cuisine, served with endless sea views. You will discover perfect beaches, untouched native forests and fabulous walks. In terms of New Zealand’s history this region is the birthplace of our nation. Cruise inclusions

Itinerary

Day 1 - Auckland

Embarkation begins at Princes Wharf from 5:00pm and we depart at 6:00pm. Cocktails are served as we scenic cruise the Waitemata Harbour taking in Auckland’s highlights including the city waterfront and volcanic island of Rangitoto. Dinner is served in a secluded bay before we overnight cruise to the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Day 2 – Bay of Islands

We anchor off Roberton Island for breakfast. This morning there are opportunities to swim, snorkel, kayak and maybe some fishing. Tender ashore for a hike up to the Maori Pa site for stunning views of the bay. This afternoon there is some free time to explore Russell..New Zealand’s first capital. Dinner is served under the stars and we overnight at anchor.

Day 3 – Bay of Islands

Today we firstly anchorage at Oke Bay - one of our favourites, a morning swim off the stern, maybe even try to reach the beach. Dolphins are regular visitors here and they enjoy playing around the ship so expect a great sideshow. This afternoon we motor to Urupukapuka, the largest island in the bay. If time and tide allows we detour to collect a feed of green lipped mussels. Chef will be happy with us. Dinner is served at anchor in Deep Water Cove.

Day 4 – Great Barrier Island

Awake inside the beautiful Fitzroy Harbour on the sheltered side of this wild and enchanting island paradise. Great Barrier Island has a colourful history involving whaling, gold and silver mining and alternative lifestyles. An opportunity to go ashore to visit Sven’s Place, sample and purchase his local honey and toiletry products. Dinner is served on board before we depart for the Bay of Plenty.

Day 5 – Tauranga/Rotorua

Early risers are welcome on the bridge to enjoy the arrival through the narrow channel into Tauranga harbour with Matakana Island on the right and Mount Maunganui on the left. We have arranged a private coach tour to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua today and also there will be enough time to explore Mount Manuganui, maybe even walk around the base before dinner, We will overnight alongside the wharf.

Day 6 – Coromandel

An early departure from Tauranga has us heading north to view Mayor Island then onto the summer playground of the Coromandel Peninsular. We arrive into Mercury Bay in time for lunch at anchor. This afternoon we head further north hugging the coast and round Cape Colville. Dinner is served on the western side of the peninsular at our sheltered overnight anchorage.

Day 7 – Waiheke Island

A relaxing morning cruise takes us onto Waiheke Island. Here the seaplane arrives and guests are taken for a complimentary scenic flight around the island and beyond. We head ashore for a winery visit and tasting tour and lunch. We will also have some insight into the charm of this beautiful island. Being our last night it is cocktails before a very special farewell dinner with the crew.

Day 8 – Auckland

The sunrise over the Waitemata Harbour will impress you before we start the cruise back to downtown Auckland during breakfast. A 9:00am disembarkation is arranged at Princes Wharf.

Feedback

The crew were so friendly, kind and helpful, and couldn't be faulted.Of course having the captain called Inglis was an added bonus. What a good omen. I have lent my brochure to so many of my friends with my recommendation for a stunning holiday, in a wonderful location. My best regards to all on board, and to you for making such a good holiday possible.Joyce Inglis

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Guest Feedback

Thank you all for the most enjoyable trip from Auckland to the Bay of Islands. The food, wine and service were great and the other passengers friendly and lots of fun. The excursions provided were a bonus especially the wine tasting on Waiheke Island, the Great Barrier Island stop-over and the helicopter flight – wow! Keep up the good work and again, many thanks.

Brian and Lyn – New Zealand

The ship was spick and span, a very tidy ship! The ship’s company from the captain to the crew were wonderful, just so friendly and nothing was too much trouble. The food was beautifully prepared and ever so tasty. I just wish I could have caught some fish for the chef. Our cabin was comfortable and clean, the bathroom was good and the shower great! Our saddest time was when we berthed alongside in Auckland to disembark. We wish you many safe and happy years of cruising to come.

Mike and Pat – New Zealand

Dear Island Escape Cruises...We really did enjoy the Bay of Islands cruise and your crew in particular Captain Phil and Master Chef Ollie were outstanding. The friendliness of the whole crew was very welcoming and set the scene early for some good interactions. In fact we have 4 couples looking seriously at your Tahiti itinerary later in the year.

Peter & Jennifer – Queensland, Australia

I was on your cruise in Feb. to the Bay of Islands. First holiday I had taken on my own since losing my husband.I had been back to the U.K. twice but stayed with family and friends, so was very nervous about meeting a lot of strangers.How silly was that.!!!There was an amazing friendly crowd on board, especially after one of the chefs superb meals and a few glasses of wine.!!!The crew were so friendly, kind and helpful, and couldn't be faulted.Of course having the captain called Inglis was an added bonus. What a good omen. I have lent my brochure to so many of my friends with my recommendation for a stunning holiday, in a wonderful location. My best regards to all on board, and to you for making such a good holiday possible.

Joyce Inglis

We had the most wonderful time on the February 2 tour of the Bay of Islands. Its nearly impossible to say how much we enjoyed it, and how thrilled we were with the ship, the crew, the itinerary, the food, everything was absolutely marvellous.

Sue Brendan, Australia

Tricia and I would like to once again say how much we enjoyed the recent cruise in the Bay of Islands. We were especially impressed with the attention to safety which I observed was a key feature at all times.Tricia and I are used to much more vigorous action but the more passive activities that were provided made for pleasant relaxation and were most enjoyable.The food was glorious and we are both home now and trying to shed the few extra kilos gained on the cruise.The genuine humor on board from the captain right through to the chefs in the galley made for lots of laughter and joyous moments and I could see that it was always coming from the right place and very real. Shore tours and history from Luci gave us knowledge of NZ culture and were most enlightening. I could go on and on but I think you can see we had a great time on the cruise. We will do another cruise with you maybe next year and will bring some of our friends with us.Thanks again for the fabulous cruise and may all your guests be pleasant [and not activate the life jackets as I did

Peter and Patricia, UK

Just to let you know we all had a FANTASTIC time, the ship was wonderful, the crew absolutely, unbelievably helpful and accommodating, nothing was too much trouble for them and the food was beautiful, cooked to world class standards and worthy of a "3 Hat Restaurant" rating. Needless to say we all are keen to do another cruise so I am sure you will be hearing from us again. Having the boat to ourselves was an added bonus and we really appreciated your suggesting to other people that they might like to change dates! It will be hard to return to our daily routine and fending for ourselves.

Maggie, NSW, Australia

Just as wonderful 2nd time round. May even overcome fear of flying just to get to the Vanuatu cruises. Everything and everyone just perfect

Adrian

This cruise is amazing. The staff are fabulous, the meals are devine and the boat is just beautiful. We have booked again for Vanuatu in 2013. Cant wait.

Pam and Terry, Brisbane

Dear Island Escape,Thank you for your team’s hospitality and professional attitude during our trip last week. The Island Passage is without doubt the most well appointed and luxurious vessel we have used. As far as the meals and service goes well where would I start, just amazing. Mike, Perth WA